Mattupetty Dam: The picnic spot of Munnar

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The dam is the most visited spot in Munnar & its beauty is enhanced by the presence of still water, lush gardens around, dense mountains in the background and the famous tea gardens complete the picture for all tourists. The dam was constructed as a concrete gravity structure where the weight of the structure holds the water in the reservoir. Apart from generating hydro electricity for the state, the dam has a lake which is still water & so makes it easy for tourists to engage in boating. There have been issues with the salinity of the water which has hampered the use for irrigation purposes which has now been addressed to a small extent. The stillness of the water also attracts wild animals & a huge collection of birds which is another attraction at the dam.

The dam was commissioned after independence & was completed in 1953 & the sole purpose of the dam was to generate electricity. The place around the dam is called cattle village & the name is based on the presence of livestock who grace the grasslands around. The place also has a relation with Switzerland & it is not because of the landscape but the Swiss lineage cattle that one can see around. The project was a collaboration of Kerala & Swiss governments to develop the best breed of cattle for dairy production. One can see the farm close to the dam & is a good visit along with the Tea plantation tour.

The old name of the dam was Madupetty & reservoir is a vital source of water for all & this also includes the elephants who consider the lake as their watering hole. The Mattupetty Lake is a perennial lake where water does not dry up even in the harshest summer & the monsoon helps in swelling up of the lake. The dam is open for all to visit & one can also walk along its length to enjoy the view from all quarters. 

Location: Munnar, Kerala 685612, India

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